Water Softener Issues - Frequently Asked Questions
Water Softener Issues - Frequently Asked Questions
MY SOFTENER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you suspect a potential problem and that your water softener is not working properly, we recommend the following steps:
1. Send images of the water softener and pipework or a short video of the issue if possible to sales@newatersofteners.co.uk
2. Isolate the softener if required, for at least 24 hours.
3. Check inside your softener - taking photos.
4. Remove the salt and check the water level.
5. Replace the salt with new salt.
6. Reconnect after 24 hours and review the issue.
1. Send images of the water softener and pipework or a short video of the issue if possible to sales@newatersofteners.co.uk
2. Isolate the softener if required, for at least 24 hours.
3. Check inside your softener - taking photos.
4. Remove the salt and check the water level.
5. Replace the salt with new salt.
6. Reconnect after 24 hours and review the issue.
Common Water Softener Problems - Troubleshooting & Solutions
HOW DO I ISOLATE MY WATER SOFTENER
Find a full description Here.
1. Locate The Inlet & Outlet Valves
Locate the hoses in the side of the water softener - these hoses will lead you to the inlet and outlet valves.
Understand these may go through walls so follow them carefully. When you have located the valves, you're ready to bypass it.
2. To by-pass the softener - Set the Valves to The Right Setting
2a. Set the inlet/outlet (blue) valves to the “OFF” position.
2b. And set the by- pass (grey) valve to the “ON or OPEN” position.
If you want to to restart the flow of soft water simply do the reverse:
Set the inlet/outlet (blue) valves to the “ON or OPEN” position and set the by-pass (grey) valve to the “OFF” position.
The softener can be put into by-pass at any time. Water will still flow throughout the house, however, this water will be hard.
1. Locate The Inlet & Outlet Valves
Locate the hoses in the side of the water softener - these hoses will lead you to the inlet and outlet valves.
Understand these may go through walls so follow them carefully. When you have located the valves, you're ready to bypass it.
2. To by-pass the softener - Set the Valves to The Right Setting
2a. Set the inlet/outlet (blue) valves to the “OFF” position.
2b. And set the by- pass (grey) valve to the “ON or OPEN” position.
If you want to to restart the flow of soft water simply do the reverse:
Set the inlet/outlet (blue) valves to the “ON or OPEN” position and set the by-pass (grey) valve to the “OFF” position.
The softener can be put into by-pass at any time. Water will still flow throughout the house, however, this water will be hard.
MY WATER SOFTENER HAS A LEAK - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your water softener appears to have a leak, we recommend checking exactly where the water is coming from. Check all the pipe work for escapes, feeling the pipes and areas underneath your sink.
You then need to isolate and bypass the water softener - this effectively turns the system off until the leak can be fixed.
If there just appears to be just water in your cupboard - we recommend you check the drain pipe and waste pipe. Make sure these pipes have been correctly fitted and the water is draining properly and not into your cupboard.
You then need to isolate and bypass the water softener - this effectively turns the system off until the leak can be fixed.
If there just appears to be just water in your cupboard - we recommend you check the drain pipe and waste pipe. Make sure these pipes have been correctly fitted and the water is draining properly and not into your cupboard.
THE WATER LEVEL IN MY SOFTENER IS HIGH.
If the water level in your softener is high, this suggests there is a leak somewhere in the system or pipework. Please isolate the water softener and follow the steps for "My Softener Is Not Working Properly - What Should I Do?"
MY WATER IS STILL HARD - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your water still seems to be high we recommend checking the water level inside softener.
If the water level is too low, the water will not reach the salt blocks and there will be no brine solution in your system. Therefore your water will remain hard. In order to work, the water softener needs a brine solution to clean the resin.
Top up with water from the tap, until the salt is sitting in approx. 1” of water.
If you think your water is hard, we ask that you, purchase test strips and test at the same time every day for 3 consecutive days, recording the results.
If the water level is too low, the water will not reach the salt blocks and there will be no brine solution in your system. Therefore your water will remain hard. In order to work, the water softener needs a brine solution to clean the resin.
Top up with water from the tap, until the salt is sitting in approx. 1” of water.
If you think your water is hard, we ask that you, purchase test strips and test at the same time every day for 3 consecutive days, recording the results.
MY WATER SOFTENER HAS STOPPED WORKING.
If your softener has simply stopped working, we ask you to send us images of your system and pipe work.
We recommend you check what type of system you have and what salt you are using. Some models are block salt only. If you have been using tablet salt, this may have caused a blockage in the brine valve - due to the type of filler that is present in the salt.
If you have mistakenly used the wrong salt, this is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
We recommend you check what type of system you have and what salt you are using. Some models are block salt only. If you have been using tablet salt, this may have caused a blockage in the brine valve - due to the type of filler that is present in the salt.
If you have mistakenly used the wrong salt, this is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
MY WATER SOFTENER IS CONSTANTLY RUNNING TO DRAIN.
If your water softener appears to be constantly running to drain, please isolate the system for 24 hours and then re-connect and re-evaluate the issue.
MY WATER SOFTENER IS USING TOO MUCH SALT
If your system is using a lot of salt, this could be for a number of reasons.
If you have an older water softener - a high salt usage and constant regeneration, means the internal resin has expired.
Another reason for high salt usage - especially during summer months, is watering the garden. Be sure to isolate and bypass your softener when watering the garden.
The main reason we come across for high salt usage, is excess water flowing in the property.
We recommend checking there is no water flow issues in the home. This may include dripping taps, a toilet that is running, or a leak. Ensure there is no running water and check your property for leaks.
We then advise you to:
1. Isolate your water softener for 24 hours.
2. Remove the salt.
3. Check the water level inside the softener, if it is too high there may be fault with the softener, if the water appears normal - the fault is likely to be within the property.
To investigate further, you can use your water meter. Make a note of the reading at around 9.00am, do not use any water and check the reading after 4-6 hours. If the reading has increased, you can confirm there is water escaping in the property.
If you have an older water softener - a high salt usage and constant regeneration, means the internal resin has expired.
Another reason for high salt usage - especially during summer months, is watering the garden. Be sure to isolate and bypass your softener when watering the garden.
The main reason we come across for high salt usage, is excess water flowing in the property.
We recommend checking there is no water flow issues in the home. This may include dripping taps, a toilet that is running, or a leak. Ensure there is no running water and check your property for leaks.
We then advise you to:
1. Isolate your water softener for 24 hours.
2. Remove the salt.
3. Check the water level inside the softener, if it is too high there may be fault with the softener, if the water appears normal - the fault is likely to be within the property.
To investigate further, you can use your water meter. Make a note of the reading at around 9.00am, do not use any water and check the reading after 4-6 hours. If the reading has increased, you can confirm there is water escaping in the property.
MY WATER SOFTENER IS NOT USING SALT AT ALL.
Check inside of your system and ensure the water level is high enough and is touching your salt blocks. We then recommend isolating the system for 24 hours, before reconnecting and checking if the problem still persists.
MY WATER PRESSURE HAS DROPPED - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your water pressure appears to have dropped, we first ask you to check the stop tap has been re-opened fully.
Then we recommend checking the hoses to the softener have been attached the correct way around for the inlet and outlet. We often find that the inlet and outlet hoses have been mixed up.
If you have an older water softener and there is a Restricted flow of water, this means resin has expired and your softener needs replacing.
Then we recommend checking the hoses to the softener have been attached the correct way around for the inlet and outlet. We often find that the inlet and outlet hoses have been mixed up.
If you have an older water softener and there is a Restricted flow of water, this means resin has expired and your softener needs replacing.
Service Calls & Costs
HOW MUCH IS A SERVICE CALL?
The price of a service visit to check any potential issues is £100 + VAT (£120)- this can fluctuate, depending on the service your water softener needs.
We will confirm this with you at the time of booking your appointment.
We will confirm this with you at the time of booking your appointment.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR A SERVICE VISIT AND HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
We always try to make sure one of our experts is there to help as quickly as possible.
A service call takes around one hour - depending on what specifically is required.
A service call takes around one hour - depending on what specifically is required.
Water Softener Salt Issues
CAN I DRINK SOFTENED WATER? IS IT SAFE?
Softened water is perfectly safe to drink. Its is a common misconception that softened water is unsafe to drink, this is because softening water slightly increases the amount of sodium in the water. Typically a glass of softened water will contain about 50mg of sodium. To put this in perspective, a slice of brown bread contains around 200mg and there is more sodium in a glass of milk than in a glass of softened water. The only times we advise against drinking softened water is when making up formula for small babies or if you are on a prescribed low sodium diet.
MY DRINKING WATER TASTES TOO SALTY
Salty drinking water, may be due to your system having just regenerated. Straight after regeneration, salt levels are higher. We recommend running the tap for 5 mins and trying the water again. If it is still salty, isolate the system for 24 hours, re connect and try again.
If the issue still persists, the brine valve may need adjusting.
If the issue still persists, the brine valve may need adjusting.
HOW MUCH SALT SHOULD MY WATER SOFTENER USE?
Salt consumption depends on your water usage and family size. On average most households use 1 block per person per month.
MY SALT HAS CRYSTALLISED - WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Crystallisation is very common - especially in warmer airing cupboards.
This can happen from time to time. It is important not to ignore the crystallisation and to simply use a plastic spatula to scrape off any salt build-up from the faces of the salt chambers, pushing it down into the system to be used. If it drops into the cabinet, it will dissolve harmlessly in the water.
This can happen from time to time. It is important not to ignore the crystallisation and to simply use a plastic spatula to scrape off any salt build-up from the faces of the salt chambers, pushing it down into the system to be used. If it drops into the cabinet, it will dissolve harmlessly in the water.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I RUN OUT OF SALT?
A water softener needs salt to work. If you run out of salt - the water softener will simply stop softening your water. To continue to enjoy a soft water stream the salt will need to be replaced.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO CHANGE THE SALT?
The lift the lid on your water softener or if you have a clear lid - you can simply look through. If you can see the red line inside your softener, this means it is time to refill the salt in your water softener.
ONE BLOCK OF SALT IS GOING DOWN FASTER THAN THE OTHER.
WHAT TYPE OF SALT CAN I USE?
The type of salt you need, depends on your water softener. Our Harvey S4 and Kinetico Premier Compact, require block salt. Large systems such as the Harvey Big Blue - require tablet salt. Be sure to check which salt your system needs to avoid your warranty being made invalid.
IF MY BLOCK SALT IS BROKEN CAN I STILL USE IT?
Yes - it’s perfectly usable. If the salt is broken you can simply place them in the system as is they were a block.
You should avoid putting the finer pieces in the water softener to prevent the brine valve from being blocked.
You should not use your block salt if the packaging it is contained in is open and damaged upon arrival or your salt appears dirty.
You should avoid putting the finer pieces in the water softener to prevent the brine valve from being blocked.
You should not use your block salt if the packaging it is contained in is open and damaged upon arrival or your salt appears dirty.
HOW MUCH IS BLOCK SALT AND WHERE CAN I BUY IT?
You can buy block salt easily online and direct from Harvey. Harvey and Kinetico both provide premium block salt. We recommend buying salt direct from the manufacturers to ensure food grade quality. You can also find block salt on Amazon. When buying salt elsewhere, we recommend checking the quality and ensuring there are no fillers added.
Block salt is around £8-9 per pack which contains 2 blocks.
Block salt is around £8-9 per pack which contains 2 blocks.
General Water Softener Questions
CAN I USE SOFT WATER IN MY BOILER & HEATING SYSTEM?
Yes soft water can increase efficiency and reduce limescale damage in your boiler.
In 1992, British standards advised against using soft water in aluminium heating systems. This was updated in 2006 to read that soft water will not cause any damage and can prevent limescale damage.
If your boiler is still under warranty, we advise checking with your boiler manufacturer. In very few and rare cases, a manufacturer may still adopt BS advice from 1992 and not the updated 2006 advice.
In 1992, British standards advised against using soft water in aluminium heating systems. This was updated in 2006 to read that soft water will not cause any damage and can prevent limescale damage.
If your boiler is still under warranty, we advise checking with your boiler manufacturer. In very few and rare cases, a manufacturer may still adopt BS advice from 1992 and not the updated 2006 advice.
HOW LONG WILL IT BE UNTIL MY WATER SOFTENER REMOVES LIMESCALE?
A water softener will help prevent limescale and reduce current scale. Once installed, softened water will start to remove scale from your home in two weeks.
The results we see are typically:
1. It can take six weeks for scale to be removed from your kettle.
2. It can take six months for scale to be removed from your heat exchanger.
3. It can take two years for scale to be removed from the rest of your pipe work.
The results we see are typically:
1. It can take six weeks for scale to be removed from your kettle.
2. It can take six months for scale to be removed from your heat exchanger.
3. It can take two years for scale to be removed from the rest of your pipe work.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I MOVE HOUSE OR GO ON HOLIDAY?
When moving home, it is possible to relocate and re-install your system - similar to a washing machine. The softener can be disconnected quite easily - if you are looking to do this yourself, please enquire online to speak to one of our experts.
If you have one of our non-electric water softeners and you go on holiday, you won't need to adjust your softener. Our non electric systems are automatic, if no water is being used while you are away, the water softener will not function. If you have an electric system purchased else where - we recommend checking with your supplier.
If you have one of our non-electric water softeners and you go on holiday, you won't need to adjust your softener. Our non electric systems are automatic, if no water is being used while you are away, the water softener will not function. If you have an electric system purchased else where - we recommend checking with your supplier.
Water Softener Installation
HOW IS A WATER SOFTENER INSTALLED?
If you live within our service area, your water softener can be installed by one of our fully qualified experts. The process is quick and the system is fitted inline, to your main water supply - under your sink.
If you live in London, your system can be installed by any plumber. In fact, by souring your own plumber, you can save over £400 off dealer installation packages this way.
If you live in London, your system can be installed by any plumber. In fact, by souring your own plumber, you can save over £400 off dealer installation packages this way.
DOES MY WATER SOFTENER HAVE TO BE INSTALLED IN THE KITCHEN?
Your softener should be installed close to the main water supply and near your stop tap. This is usually next to the drinking tap or outdoor tap.
However, a water softener can be fitted to other areas other than the kitchen sink, including in garages and even outside.
The softener must be connected to a drain as it needs an overflow point and point to remove waste. When installing, it is best to keep the distance from the softener to the drain short.
However, a water softener can be fitted to other areas other than the kitchen sink, including in garages and even outside.
The softener must be connected to a drain as it needs an overflow point and point to remove waste. When installing, it is best to keep the distance from the softener to the drain short.
DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING AFTER MY WATER SOFTENER IS INSTALLED?
Once installed, your system is automatic. The non-electric twin tank system allows you to have soft water on demand. The only thing you need to do is make sure there is block salt in the softener.
Warranty Cover
HOW LONG DOES A WATER SOFTENER LAST?
A good quality Harvey or Kinetico water softener can last 10-20 years.
We recommend purchasing a water softener with high review ratings and a 10 year warranty. With cheap and older models found online, you could end up spending more money in the long run.
We recommend purchasing a water softener with high review ratings and a 10 year warranty. With cheap and older models found online, you could end up spending more money in the long run.
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY COVER?
Our softener systems come with a warranty cover - depending on the softener you purchase. Our covers range from 1 - 10 years. Premium models have 10 year warranties. This includes the Harvey TwinTec S4 and Kientico Premier range.
The warranty itself covers your softener for parts. Some systems also come with a 2 year labour warranty. We will be able to provide you with the full t&cs for our extended warranty.
The warranty itself covers your softener for parts. Some systems also come with a 2 year labour warranty. We will be able to provide you with the full t&cs for our extended warranty.
My Softener Is Not Working Properly - What Should I Do?
If you suspect a potential problem and that your water softener is not working properly, we recommend the following steps:
1. Send images of the water softener and pipework or a short video of the issue if possible to sales@newatersofteners.co.uk
2. Isolate the softener if required, for at least 24 hours.
3. Check inside your softener - taking photos.
4. Remove the salt and check the water level.
5. Replace the salt with new salt.
6. Reconnect after 24 hours and review the issue.
1. Send images of the water softener and pipework or a short video of the issue if possible to sales@newatersofteners.co.uk
2. Isolate the softener if required, for at least 24 hours.
3. Check inside your softener - taking photos.
4. Remove the salt and check the water level.
5. Replace the salt with new salt.
6. Reconnect after 24 hours and review the issue.
Common Water Softener Problems - Troubleshooting & Solutions
How do I Isolate my Water Softener
Find a full description Here.
1. Locate The Inlet & Outlet Valves
Locate the hoses in the side of the water softener - these hoses will lead you to the inlet and outlet valves.
Understand these may go through walls so follow them carefully. When you have located the valves, you're ready to bypass it.
2. To by-pass the softener - Set the Valves to The Right Setting
2a. Set the inlet/outlet (blue) valves to the “OFF” position.
2b. And set the by- pass (grey) valve to the “ON or OPEN” position.
If you want to to restart the flow of soft water simply do the reverse:
Set the inlet/outlet (blue) valves to the “ON or OPEN” position and set the by-pass (grey) valve to the “OFF” position.
The softener can be put into by-pass at any time. Water will still flow throughout the house, however, this water will be hard.
1. Locate The Inlet & Outlet Valves
Locate the hoses in the side of the water softener - these hoses will lead you to the inlet and outlet valves.
Understand these may go through walls so follow them carefully. When you have located the valves, you're ready to bypass it.
2. To by-pass the softener - Set the Valves to The Right Setting
2a. Set the inlet/outlet (blue) valves to the “OFF” position.
2b. And set the by- pass (grey) valve to the “ON or OPEN” position.
If you want to to restart the flow of soft water simply do the reverse:
Set the inlet/outlet (blue) valves to the “ON or OPEN” position and set the by-pass (grey) valve to the “OFF” position.
The softener can be put into by-pass at any time. Water will still flow throughout the house, however, this water will be hard.
My Water Softener Has a Leak - What Should I Do?
If your water softener appears to have a leak, we recommend checking exactly where the water is coming from. Check all the pipe work for escapes, feeling the pipes and areas underneath your sink.
You then need to isolate and bypass the water softener - this effectively turns the system off until the leak can be fixed.
If there just appears to be just water in your cupboard - we recommend you check the drain pipe and waste pipe. Make sure these pipes have been correctly fitted and the water is draining properly and not into your cupboard.
You then need to isolate and bypass the water softener - this effectively turns the system off until the leak can be fixed.
If there just appears to be just water in your cupboard - we recommend you check the drain pipe and waste pipe. Make sure these pipes have been correctly fitted and the water is draining properly and not into your cupboard.
The water level in my softener is high.
If the water level in your softener is high, this suggests there is a leak somewhere in the system or pipework. Please isolate the water softener and follow the steps for "My Softener Is Not Working Properly - What Should I Do?"
My Water Softener is Constantly Regenerating - What Should I Do?
Your softener may be regenerating because:
1. It hasn’t been commissioned properly; the commissioning tool needs to be turned 360 degrees. If this is not done, correctly, the softener can get stuck on constant regeneration.
2. If you are finding that your softener is running to drain constantly, when it has been working fine previously, this could mean there is an issue and it needs to be looked at further.
1. It hasn’t been commissioned properly; the commissioning tool needs to be turned 360 degrees. If this is not done, correctly, the softener can get stuck on constant regeneration.
2. If you are finding that your softener is running to drain constantly, when it has been working fine previously, this could mean there is an issue and it needs to be looked at further.
My Water is Still Hard - What Should I Do?
If your water still seems to be high we recommend checking the water level inside softener.
If the water level is too low, the water will not reach the salt blocks and there will be no brine solution in your system. Therefore your water will remain hard. In order to work, the water softener needs a brine solution to clean the resin.
Top up with water from the tap, until the salt is sitting in approx. 1” of water.
If you think your water is hard, we ask that you, purchase test strips and test at the same time every day for 3 consecutive days, recording the results.
If the water level is too low, the water will not reach the salt blocks and there will be no brine solution in your system. Therefore your water will remain hard. In order to work, the water softener needs a brine solution to clean the resin.
Top up with water from the tap, until the salt is sitting in approx. 1” of water.
If you think your water is hard, we ask that you, purchase test strips and test at the same time every day for 3 consecutive days, recording the results.
My Water Softener Has Stopped Working.
If your softener has simply stopped working, we ask you to send us images of your system and pipe work.
We recommend you check what type of system you have and what salt you are using. Some models are block salt only. If you have been using tablet salt, this may have caused a blockage in the brine valve - due to the type of filler that is present in the salt.
If you have mistakenly used the wrong salt, this is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
We recommend you check what type of system you have and what salt you are using. Some models are block salt only. If you have been using tablet salt, this may have caused a blockage in the brine valve - due to the type of filler that is present in the salt.
If you have mistakenly used the wrong salt, this is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
My Water Softener is Constantly Running to Drain.
If your water softener appears to be constantly running to drain, please isolate the system for 24 hours and then re-connect and re-evaluate the issue.
My Water Softener is Using Too Much Salt
If your system is using a lot of salt, this could be for a number of reasons.
If you have an older water softener - a high salt usage and constant regeneration, means the internal resin has expired.
Another reason for high salt usage - especially during summer months, is watering the garden. Be sure to isolate and bypass your softener when watering the garden.
The main reason we come across for high salt usage, is excess water flowing in the property.
We recommend checking there is no water flow issues in the home. This may include dripping taps, a toilet that is running, or a leak. Ensure there is no running water and check your property for leaks.
We then advise you to:
1. Isolate your water softener for 24 hours.
2. Remove the salt.
3. Check the water level inside the softener, if it is too high there may be fault with the softener, if the water appears normal - the fault is likely to be within the property.
To investigate further, you can use your water meter. Make a note of the reading at around 9.00am, do not use any water and check the reading after 4-6 hours. If the reading has increased, you can confirm there is water escaping in the property.
If you have an older water softener - a high salt usage and constant regeneration, means the internal resin has expired.
Another reason for high salt usage - especially during summer months, is watering the garden. Be sure to isolate and bypass your softener when watering the garden.
The main reason we come across for high salt usage, is excess water flowing in the property.
We recommend checking there is no water flow issues in the home. This may include dripping taps, a toilet that is running, or a leak. Ensure there is no running water and check your property for leaks.
We then advise you to:
1. Isolate your water softener for 24 hours.
2. Remove the salt.
3. Check the water level inside the softener, if it is too high there may be fault with the softener, if the water appears normal - the fault is likely to be within the property.
To investigate further, you can use your water meter. Make a note of the reading at around 9.00am, do not use any water and check the reading after 4-6 hours. If the reading has increased, you can confirm there is water escaping in the property.
My Water Softener Is Not Using Salt at All.
Check inside of your system and ensure the water level is high enough and is touching your salt blocks. We then recommend isolating the system for 24 hours, before reconnecting and checking if the problem still persists.
My water pressure has dropped - what should i do?
If your water pressure appears to have dropped, we first ask you to check the stop tap has been re-opened fully.
Then we recommend checking the hoses to the softener have been attached the correct way around for the inlet and outlet. We often find that the inlet and outlet hoses have been mixed up.
If you have an older water softener and there is a Restricted flow of water, this means resin has expired and your softener needs replacing.
Then we recommend checking the hoses to the softener have been attached the correct way around for the inlet and outlet. We often find that the inlet and outlet hoses have been mixed up.
If you have an older water softener and there is a Restricted flow of water, this means resin has expired and your softener needs replacing.
Service Calls & Costs
How Much Is a Service Call?
The price of a service visit to check any potential issues is £100 + VAT (£120)- this can fluctuate, depending on the service your water softener needs.
We will confirm this with you at the time of booking your appointment.
We will confirm this with you at the time of booking your appointment.
How Long Do I Have to Wait For a Service Visit and How Long Does It Take?
We always try to make sure one of our experts is there to help as quickly as possible.
A service call takes around one hour - depending on what specifically is required.
A service call takes around one hour - depending on what specifically is required.
Water Softener Salt Issues
Can I Drink Softened Water? Is It Safe?
Softened water is perfectly safe to drink. Its is a common misconception that softened water is unsafe to drink, this is because softening water slightly increases the amount of sodium in the water. Typically a glass of softened water will contain about 50mg of sodium. To put this in perspective, a slice of brown bread contains around 200mg and there is more sodium in a glass of milk than in a glass of softened water. The only times we advise against drinking softened water is when making up formula for small babies or if you are on a prescribed low sodium diet.
My Drinking Water Tastes Too Salty
Salty drinking water, may be due to your system having just regenerated. Straight after regeneration, salt levels are higher. We recommend running the tap for 5 mins and trying the water again. If it is still salty, isolate the system for 24 hours, re connect and try again.
If the issue still persists, the brine valve may need adjusting.
If the issue still persists, the brine valve may need adjusting.
How Much Salt Should My Water Softener Use?
Salt consumption depends on your water usage and family size. On average most households use 1 block per person per month.
My Salt Has Crystallised - What Should I Do?
Crystallisation is very common - especially in warmer airing cupboards.
This can happen from time to time. It is important not to ignore the crystallisation and to simply use a plastic spatula to scrape off any salt build-up from the faces of the salt chambers, pushing it down into the system to be used. If it drops into the cabinet, it will dissolve harmlessly in the water.
This can happen from time to time. It is important not to ignore the crystallisation and to simply use a plastic spatula to scrape off any salt build-up from the faces of the salt chambers, pushing it down into the system to be used. If it drops into the cabinet, it will dissolve harmlessly in the water.
What Happens If I Run Out Of Salt?
A water softener needs salt to work. If you run out of salt - the water softener will simply stop softening your water. To continue to enjoy a soft water stream the salt will need to be replaced.
How Do I Know When To Change The Salt?
The lift the lid on your water softener or if you have a clear lid - you can simply look through. If you can see the red line inside your softener, this means it is time to refill the salt in your water softener.
One Block of Salt is Going Down Faster Than The Other.
This is perfectly normal, often one block may get used more quickly. This is because of where the brine valve is located in the water softener. The salt is always drawn from the block that is closest to the brine valve, so one block may completely dissolve away, while more of the other remains.
If your salt blocks do dissolve unevenly, you don’t necessarily have to replace one side until the other has finished. As long as there is some salt left in the softener, it will continue to work.
If your salt blocks do dissolve unevenly, you don’t necessarily have to replace one side until the other has finished. As long as there is some salt left in the softener, it will continue to work.
What Type Of Salt Can I Use?
The type of salt you need, depends on your water softener. Our Harvey S4 and Kinetico Premier Compact, require block salt. Large systems such as the Harvey Big Blue - require tablet salt. Be sure to check which salt your system needs to avoid your warranty being made invalid.
If My Block Salt is Broken Can I Still Use It?
Yes - it’s perfectly usable. If the salt is broken you can simply place them in the system as is they were a block.
You should avoid putting the finer pieces in the water softener to prevent the brine valve from being blocked.
You should not use your block salt if the packaging it is contained in is open and damaged upon arrival or your salt appears dirty.
You should avoid putting the finer pieces in the water softener to prevent the brine valve from being blocked.
You should not use your block salt if the packaging it is contained in is open and damaged upon arrival or your salt appears dirty.
How Much Is Block Salt and Where Can I Buy it?
You can buy block salt easily online and direct from us from our second website
https://watersoftener-salt.co.uk/
.
We provide premium block salt from Harvey Water Softeners. We recommend buying salt direct from us to ensure food grade quality.
We provide premium block salt from Harvey Water Softeners. We recommend buying salt direct from us to ensure food grade quality.
General Water Softener Questions
Can I Use Soft Water in My Boiler & Heating System?
Yes soft water can increase efficiency and reduce limescale damage in your boiler.
In 1992, British standards advised against using soft water in aluminium heating systems. This was updated in 2006 to read that soft water will not cause any damage and can prevent limescale damage.
If your boiler is still under warranty, we advise checking with your boiler manufacturer. In very few and rare cases, a manufacturer may still adopt BS advice from 1992 and not the updated 2006 advice.
In 1992, British standards advised against using soft water in aluminium heating systems. This was updated in 2006 to read that soft water will not cause any damage and can prevent limescale damage.
If your boiler is still under warranty, we advise checking with your boiler manufacturer. In very few and rare cases, a manufacturer may still adopt BS advice from 1992 and not the updated 2006 advice.
How Long Will It Be Until My Water Softener Removes Limescale?
A water softener will help prevent limescale and reduce current scale.
Once installed, softened water will start to remove scale from your home in two weeks.
The results we see are typically:
1. It can take six weeks for scale to be removed from your kettle.
2. It can take six months for scale to be removed from your heat exchanger.
3. It can take two years for scale to be removed from the rest of your pipe work.
The results we see are typically:
1. It can take six weeks for scale to be removed from your kettle.
2. It can take six months for scale to be removed from your heat exchanger.
3. It can take two years for scale to be removed from the rest of your pipe work.
What Happens If I Move House Or Go On Holiday?
When moving home, it is possible to relocate and re-install your system - similar to a washing machine. The softener can be disconnected quite easily - if you are looking to do this yourself, please enquire online to speak to one of our experts.
If you have one of our non-electric water softeners and you go on holiday, you won't need to adjust your softener. Our non electric systems are automatic, if no water is being used while you are away, the water softener will not function. If you have an electric system purchased else where - we recommend checking with your supplier.
If you have one of our non-electric water softeners and you go on holiday, you won't need to adjust your softener. Our non electric systems are automatic, if no water is being used while you are away, the water softener will not function. If you have an electric system purchased else where - we recommend checking with your supplier.
Water Softener Installation
How Is A Water Softener Installed?
If you live within our service area, your water softener can be installed by one of our fully qualified experts. The process is quick and the system is fitted inline, to your main water supply - under your sink.
If you live in London, your system can be installed by any plumber. In fact, by souring your own plumber, you can save over £400 off dealer installation packages this way.
If you live in London, your system can be installed by any plumber. In fact, by souring your own plumber, you can save over £400 off dealer installation packages this way.
Does My Water Softener Have to Be Installed In The Kitchen?
Your softener should be installed close to the main water supply and near your stop tap. This is usually next to the drinking tap or outdoor tap.
However, a water softener can be fitted to other areas other than the kitchen sink, including in garages and even outside.
The softener must be connected to a drain as it needs an overflow point and point to remove waste. When installing, it is best to keep the distance from the softener to the drain short.
However, a water softener can be fitted to other areas other than the kitchen sink, including in garages and even outside.
The softener must be connected to a drain as it needs an overflow point and point to remove waste. When installing, it is best to keep the distance from the softener to the drain short.
Do I Need To Do Anything After My Water Softener Is Installed?
Once installed, your system is automatic. The non-electric twin tank system allows you to have soft water on demand. The only thing you need to do is make sure there is block salt in the softener.
Warranty Cover
How Long Does A Water Softener Last?
A good quality Harvey or Kinetico water softener can last 10-20 years.
We recommend purchasing a water softener with high review ratings and a 10 year warranty. With cheap and older models found online, you could end up spending more money in the long run.
We recommend purchasing a water softener with high review ratings and a 10 year warranty. With cheap and older models found online, you could end up spending more money in the long run.
What Is The Warranty Cover?
Our softener systems come with a warranty cover - depending on the softener you purchase. Our covers range from 1 - 10 years. Premium models have 10 year warranties. This includes the Harvey TwinTec S4 and Kientico Premier range.
The warranty itself covers your softener for parts. Some systems also come with a 2 year labour warranty. We will be able to provide you with the full t&cs for our extended warranty.
The warranty itself covers your softener for parts. Some systems also come with a 2 year labour warranty. We will be able to provide you with the full t&cs for our extended warranty.